The KNIA-KRLS countdown of Norwalk’s Top 10 Sports Stories from the 2022-23 school year has reached the number 4 spot. Today, we recognize another spectacular season by the Warrior softball team.

Bringing back most of the roster from last year’s state tourney qualifier, Norwalk entered the summer with high expectations and did not disappoint. The Warriors were Little Hawkeye Conference co-champions with a record of 18-3, sharpened their game against a stacked schedule, and punched their return to the state tournament in Fort Dodge with a 5-0 regional final win over Burlington.

Norwalk dominated Western Dubuque 12-2 in the Class 4A state quarterfinals, then had an off day defensively in a 6-4 semifinal loss to North Scott. The Warriors bounced back with a near-flawless performance in the consolation finals, securing third place with a 5-0 win over third-ranked Fort Dodge to finish 33-10 on the year. They outscored their opponents 32-2 in four postseason wins.

Head coach Beau Livingston told KNIA-KRLS Sports that it was a credit to his players’ toughness and resiliency that they responded the way they did in the final game. “What a way to go out… to beat Fort Dodge on their home field where the odds are probably stacked against us coming back here today,” Livingston said. “I think it’s just a testament of the two years… and just the character that these young women have. Really proud and humbled just to be a part of it.”

The Warriors challenged themselves all season and finished 8-2 against Class 5A opponents, capped by a doubleheader sweep of 2nd-ranked Waukee Northwest on July 5. They also played 10 regular season games vs. 4A foes ranked in the top 10.

Senior Zadie Wadle and junior Olivia Dougherty were a formidable one-two punch in the pitching circle. Wadle went 20-6 with a 1.94 earned run average while Dougherty was 12-3 with a 1.97 ERA. They combined for 323 strikeouts in 282 ⅔ innings. Wadle, who also batted .311, was named first team All-State by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.

Three other Warrior players were also named All-State. Sophomore Nyah Hulbert, a second-team selection, batted .351 with 47 runs scored and 15 extra-base hits. Juniors Jaylynn Brandt and Lauren Black were third-teamers. Brandt hit .349 with 37 runs and a .488 on-base percentage. Black hit .328 and led the team with 10 homers and 44 RBI. Junior Maddie Gullion was named to the 4A All-Tournament Team following an outstanding three games at state.

Norwalk loses two valuable seniors off the roster in Wadle and shortstop Kaylee Cary, but the rest of the roster will be back for what should be an exciting 2024.